Audioengine 5

Looking for big sound without big speakers and a big serving of cable spaghetti?

Then these bookshelf-type noise-boxes should be right up your audio alley - they might be small and stocky, but everything you need to make beautiful music is built in: big, beefy stereo amplification, plus a couple of 3.5mm inputs (one at the back, one on top) for hooking up your PC, games console or MP3 player. There's even a USB port for charging your iPod during playback.

Set up is simply a case of plugging it into a power socket and running a length of cable (thankfully provided) between the two speakers. Once that's done you're ready to rock some tunes in true audiophile style, with clear highs, dynamic mids and crisp, tightly controlled bass. There's no flabbiness to the sound here: given the price and simplicity, it's truly top notch.